Development of Natural Capital Accounting Guidelines for Protected Areas and the Pilot Natural Capital Account for Jigme Dorji National Park
News | Posted on 2024-09-27
The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forest Research and Training (UWIFoRT), under the Department of
Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated
Mountain Development (ICIMOD), is leading the development of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA)
guidelines for Bhutan's Protected Areas (PAs).
Natural Capital Accounting is a systematic approach to quantifying and valuing a nation's natural
resources and ecosystems, such as forests, water, and biodiversity, as integral components of its
national wealth. By tracking changes in these natural assets over time, NCA provides a valuable
framework for assessing gains, losses, or degradation in resources, enabling better management and
conservation strategies.
As part of this initiative, a draft NCA guideline and a pilot Natural Capital Account for Jigme Dorji
National Park (JDNP) were finalised during a workshop held from 18th to 20th September in Thimphu. On
24th September, the draft guidelines and pilot account were presented to the Steering Committee for
review and feedback.
A National Stakeholder Consultation was subsequently convened in Haa on 25th September, chaired by
the Honorable Director of DoFPS. The draft NCA guidelines and the JDNP pilot account were shared with
key stakeholders, who provided valuable comments and suggestions for improvement.
The DoFPS, in collaboration with ICIMOD, is committed to refining and finalizing the NCA guidelines and
the pilot account. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the sustainability and
conservation of Bhutan's limited natural resources.